老年肾脏病肾活检的诊断价值与风险评估

目的探讨肾活检在老年肾脏病中的诊断价值与风险评估。方法回顾性分析我科住院行肾活检,且年龄≥60岁的123例老年肾脏病患者的临床病理资料及安全性。结果肾活检术成功率100％,肾活检取材肾小球数目均≥10个,共有6例出现轻度并发症,其中一过性肉眼血尿2例（占1．6％）,肾周小血肿4例（占3．2％）,余无严重并发症。123例患者中原发性肾小球疾病为105例（占85．4％）,而继发性肾脏病为18例（占14．6％）。在原发性肾小球疾病中最常见的病理类型是膜性肾病26例（占26．0%）,IgA。肾病25例（占25．0％）,其次为系膜增生性肾小球肾炎19例（占19％）。而继发性肾脏病中病理类型以糖尿病肾脏病11例最多见（占47．8％）。最常见的临床表现是肾病综合征（占39．8oA）和慢性肾小球肾炎（占33．3％）。临床诊断与肾活检结果尚存在差异（P〈0．05）。结论肾活检在老年性肾脏疾病患者中应用的成功率高而并发症少且大多较轻,其病理结果对明确诊断和决定治疗方案具有重要指导意义。     

急性肾功能衰竭误漏诊原因分析及肾活检的意义

目的：探讨急性肾功能衰竭（ARF）误漏诊原因,提高ARF诊断水平。方法：分析入院前诊断与肾活检与肾活检后诊断的符合率,寻找误漏诊原因。结果：经肾活检证实68例ARF病例中20例（29．6％）存在病因误诊,包括急性肾小球肾炎（AGN）、急进性肾炎（RPGN）、 急性肾小管坏死（ATN）、膜增生性肾小球肾炎（MPGN）、原发性肾病综合征伴特发性急性肾功能衰竭（NS＋IARF）、狼疮肾炎（LN）、急性间 质性肾炎（AIN）、慢性肾炎急性发作等之间混淆。有30．9％（21／68）例改变了治疗方案,35．3％（24／68）部分改变了治疗方案,33．8％（23／68）按原方案治疗。结论：临床上有相当部分ARF的病因被误诊,在诊断困难时应及时肾活检,以免延误治疗。     

IgA肾病合并急性肾衰竭的临床与病理分析

目的：探讨IgA肾病合并急性肾衰竭（ARF）的临床与病理特点。方法：1992年～2006年经肾活检确诊IgA肾病合并ARF 20例患者的临床与病理资料进行回顾性分析。根据不同病理选择治疗方案并进行随访。结果：本组20例IgA肾病合并ARF,占活检IgA肾病的3.8%（20/527）。其中急性肾炎综合征4例,急性肾炎综合征合并肾病综合征5例,以浮肿、少尿为主8例,以恶性高血压为主3例。病理改变上系膜增生性肾炎5例,新月体肾炎8例,增生硬化性肾炎伴新月体肾炎3例、轻度系膜增生性肾炎合并急性肾小管间质肾炎4例。14例肾功能恢复正常,4例部分缓解,2例无效性透析治疗后行肾移植。结论：IgA肾病合并急性肾衰竭发生率达3.8%,高于目前文献报道。临床表现多样化,病理表现为多种病理类型。病理轻则预后好,新月体肾炎诊断治疗及时预后好,多数患者肾功能可以恢复正常。因此早期及时肾活检对IgA肾病指导治疗、判断预后有非常重要的价值。     

表现为急性肾衰竭的IgA肾病11例临床与病理分析

目的：探讨IgA肾病并发急性肾衰竭(ARF)的临床与病理特点。方法：回顾分析11例IgA肾病并发ARF的临床与病理资料。结果：(1)本组11例IgA肾病患者并发ARF，占我院同期IgA肾病的1．28％(11／860)；(2)本组患者7例患者以浮肿、少尿为首发症状，3例以反复肉眼血尿为主诉、1例以恶性高血压为主要症状，6例患者蛋白尿≥2．0g／d；(3)肾活检示系膜增生性肾炎7例、新月体肾炎1例、增生硬化性肾炎伴新月体形成1例，余2例为In肾病的基础上伴发急性肾小管间质性肾炎。(4)本组资料中8例患者行激素加MP／CTX冲击治疗，4例予以单纯对症处理；8例肾功能恢复正常，1例肾功能部分缓解，2例患者肾功能进展行维持性透析治疗，总有效率为81．8％。结论：IgA肾病并发ARF发生率不低，病理可表现为多种病理类型，病理改变轻，预后好，多数患者肾功能可以恢复正常。     

儿童隐匿性肾炎的临床和病理研究

目的：探讨儿童隐匿性肾炎的临床和肾组织病理改变特点及其关系。方法：回顾性分析肾活检的323例隐匿性肾炎患儿的临床和肾组织病理改变情况。结果：323例隐匿性肾炎患儿中，单纯性血尿229例，单纯性蛋白尿19例，血尿伴蛋白尿75例。肾组织病理改变类型包括：轻微病变103例（31，89％）、基本正常74例（22．91％）、IgA肾病（IgAN）73例（22．60％）、薄基底膜病（TBMN）27例（8．36％）、系膜增生性肾炎（MsPGN）18例（5．57％）、局灶增生性肾炎（FPGN）10例（3．10％）、膜性肾病（MN）8例（2，48％）、局灶节段肾小球硬化（舢）8例（2．48％）、微小病变（MCD）1例（0，31％）、IgM肾病（IgMN）1例（0．31％）。单纯性血尿组中肾组织结构基本正常的比例较血尿伴蛋白尿组明显偏高（P〈0，01）；血尿伴蛋白尿组中IgAN的比例高于单纯性血尿组和单纯性蛋白尿组（分别P〈0．01、P〈0．05）。IgAN的Lee分级：单纯性血尿组中Ⅰ、Ⅱ级85．00％，Ⅲ级及以上15．00％；血尿伴蛋白尿组中Ⅰ、Ⅱ级58．10％，Ⅲ级及以上41．90％，明显高于单纯性血尿组（x^2=6．47，P〈0．05）。结论：儿童隐匿性肾炎的病理以轻微病变、基本正常、IgAN为常见表现，血尿伴蛋白尿患儿病变较单纯性血尿患儿为重。     

老年肾脏病患者的临床特点及病理改变分析

目的 探讨老年肾脏病患者的临床及病理特点。方法 回顾性分析我科56例老年肾脏病患者（年龄≥60岁,老年组）的临床和肾脏病理资料,并与同期住院的280例中青年肾脏病患者（年龄18～59岁,中青年组）资料进行对比。结果 ①老年组起病首发症状依次分别为肾病综合征、高血压、急性肾损害、慢性肾功能不全（32．1％、28．6H、14．3％、14．3％）;②老年组贫血发病率明显高于中青年组发病率（32．1%18．2％,P〈0．05）,低白蛋白血症、肾小球滤过率降低、高血压及高脂血症并发症更为常见（P〈0．05）。③老年组以原发性肾小球疾病为主（占71．4%,病理以膜性肾病（占19．6％）和IgA肾病（占17．9％）最常见。继发性肾脏疾病以高血压肾病（占41．7％）最常见。以急性肾损害为临床表现的老年患者,病理以急性。肾小管坏死（占37．5％）和新月体性肾炎（占37．50%）为多见。结论老年肾脏病患者的临床表现、肾脏病理与中青年不同,值得进一步研究。     

70例隐匿性肾炎临床与病理分析

目的：探讨肾活检在隐匿性肾炎诊断、治疗及预后判断等方面的意义。方法：回顾性分析近5年内收治的70例有完整肾活检资料的隐匿性肾炎病例，对其临床特点、肾脏病理特征，肾活检对诊断、治疗、预后的影响及中医病机特点等进行相关分析。结果：70例隐匿性肾炎患者中，无症状血尿5例（7.14％）、无症状性血尿和蛋白尿60例（85．71％）、无症状性蛋白尿5例（7．14％）。中医辨证分析，本虚证中肺肾气虚占24．29％，脾肾阳虚占10．00％，气阴两虚占61．43％，肝肾阴虚占4．29％；标实证中外感占25．71％，湿浊占10．00％，湿热占87．14％，血瘀占55．71％。病理类型为IgA肾病41例（58．57％）、非IgA系膜增生性肾炎23例（32．86％）、其他6例（8．57％）；肾脏病理损害分级为无病变1例（1．43％）、轻度62例（88．57％）、中度7例（10．00％）、重度0例。肾活检后19例（27．14％）患者改变了主要治疗方法。预后判定为良好3例（4．29％）、较好49例（70．00％）、较差18例（25．71％）、不良反应0例。结论：隐匿性肾炎主要临床表现为无症状性血尿和蛋白尿，中医辨证多属气阴两虚，挟湿热、瘀血。主要病理类型为IgA及非IgA系膜增生性肾炎；大部分患者肾脏病理损害较轻、预后较好，约1／4的患者肾脏病理损害较重、预后较差。隐匿性肾炎患者开展肾活检对明确肾脏病理损害程度、指导治疗及判断预后等具有重要意义。     

慢性肾脏病基础上的急性肾损伤相关因素分析

目的：观察慢性肾脏病基础上的急性肾损伤的相关因素并加以分析。方法：回顾性分析本科2000年1月-2006年12月期间收治的86例慢性肾脏病基础上的急性肾损伤（A/C）患者的临床及病理资料。结果：86例A/C患者,占同期急性肾衰竭（ARF）患者（261例）的32.95%,其中男52例,女34例,平均年龄（45.20±14.56）岁。不同年龄段A/C患者所占比例：20岁-40岁（青年组）22例,41岁-60岁（中年组）25例,≥60岁（老年组）39例。入选的病理IgA肾病13例;微小病变8例;系膜增生性肾炎10例;局灶节段增生性肾炎5例;膜性肾病4例;新月体肾炎3例,紫癜性肾炎2例;狼疮性肾炎7例;糖尿病性肾病16例;动脉硬化性肾病15例;多发性骨髓瘤性肾病3例;以上病例行肾脏病理活检的54例,其中19例是在急性肾损伤之后活检,病理表现为合并间质肾炎的12例,合并急性肾小管坏死的7例。A/C前后Hb、Hct、Alb值,各组及组间均无统计学差异,A/C前后BUN、Cr、GFR值有统计学差异;老年组的A/C后Scr值低于中年组P〈0.05,Hb和Hct值低于青年组P〈0.01。影响A/C的独立危险因素分别是严重感染26例,应用肾损害药物25例,手术后9例;急性充血性心力衰竭8例;低血压4例;恶性高血压3例;上消化道出血2例;尿路梗阻7例,肾动脉狭窄2例;合并原发病活动13例;青年组A/C的主要原因是原发病的活动、恶性高血压、急性左心衰,与中年组比较P〈0.01,与老年组比较P〈0.05;中年组A/C的主要原因严重感染（与青年组比较P〈0.05）、肾毒性药物的使用、泌尿系梗阻;老年组A/C的主要原因严重感染（与其他两组比较P〈0.01）、肾毒性药物的使用（与其他两组比较P〈0.01）、泌尿系梗阻（较青年组P〈0.05）、手术后（较其他两组P〈0.01）。结论：重视A/C发生的高危因素并及早发现,争取在短期内最大程度的改善肾功能、摆脱透析,长期保护肾功能。     

血液透析患者原发病因及高血压和贫血状况的多中心调查

目的调查佛山地区血液透析患者的原发病因及高血压、贫血状况。方法收集2012年佛山市21家医院2610例血液透析患者的基本情况、原发病因、合并高血压、贫血状况、血白蛋白水平等有关临床资料进行分析。结果佛山地区21家医院2610例血液透析患者中,其原发病分别为原发性肾小球肾炎1278例（占48．9％）、糖尿病肾脏疾病505例（占19．3％）和高血压肾损害219例（占8．4％）。梗阻性肾病、痛风性肾病、多囊肾病、狼疮肾炎、小管间质性。肾病、其他原因及原因未明者分别为191例（占7．3％）、65例（占2．5％）、60例（占2．3％）、39例（占1．5%）、26例（占1．0％）、89例（占3．4％）、138例（占5．3％）。血液透析患者高血压患者1804例,其发病率达86．6％,治疗率为83．7％,血压控制低于140／90mm Hg水平者1227例（占47.0%A）,血压控制不达标1383例（占53％）。高血压控制常需多种降压药联合应用,仅269例（占14．9％）患者应用1种降压药,应用2、3、4和5种或5种以上者分别为529例（占29．3％）、606例（占33．6％）、312例（占17．3％）和86例（占4．9％）。血红蛋白（hemoglobin,Hb）〈110g／L的患者1832例（占70．2％）,Hb≥110g／L者仅778例（占29．8％）。有493例（占18．9％）患者血浆白蛋白水平低于35g／L,有647例（占24．8％）患者血浆白蛋白水平高于40g／L。结论血液透析患者的病因主要是原发性肾小球肾炎、糖尿病肾脏疾病、高血压肾损害、梗阻性肾病,高血压和贫血控制不达标仍较突出。     

肾癌临床表现和诊治方式的时段变化

目的探讨肾细胞癌临床表现和诊治方式的变化,改进切除技术。方法对1955年至2001年收治的537例肾癌患者资料按术式演变分为3个阶段进行分析。第1阶段为1955年至1982年,以单纯肾切除术为主;第2阶段为1983年至1992年,以经腹根治性肾切除术为主;第3阶段为1993年至2001年,以经腰根治性肾切除术为主。结果第1～3阶段临床表现：血尿分别为72．4％（42／58）、62．2％（92／148）、48．6％（161／331）;腰腹痛分别为65．5％（38／58）、51．4％（76／148）、36．6％（121／331）;腹部包块分别为51．7％（30／58）、23．0％（34／148）、12．7％（42／331）;“三联征”分别为24．1％（14／58）、10．8％（16／148）、3．6％（12／331）。无症状肾癌所占比例分别为0％、6．1％（9／148）、15．7％（52／331）。3阶段肾癌的诊断分别以尿路造影、B超和CT为主。第1阶段以单纯肾切除术为主,根治性肾切除术仅占4．8％;第2阶段根治性肾切除术占76．5％,其中经腹占63．9％、经腰占36．1％,保留肾单位肾癌切除术（NSS）占1．7％;第3阶段根治性肾切除术占89．8％,其中经腰占77．4％、经腹占20．8％、经胸腹占1．8％,NSS占3．2％。第1阶段3、5年生存率分别为42．（;％、27．7％;第2阶段3、5、10年生存率分别为64．4％、48．2％、17．6％;第3阶段3、5年生存率分别为74．2％、58．6％。结论肾癌典型的临床表现率逐渐下降;无症状肾癌所占比例增加,对肾癌的诊断更趋向于早期,诊断更加准确;肾癌的手术更加标准化,保留肾单位手术应用增加;肾癌生存率有所提高。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.     

Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition

A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.